Delores “Dee” Jeanne Kossoris passed away in the late evening hours of Tuesday, January 27, 2026. She was 97 years old.

She was born on May 22, 1928, in Milwaukee, the only child of Alfred and Josephine Wargowsky (nee Pettingill). Dee was proud to have gone to Rufus King High School, being very involved in many activities. While in high school, she dated fellow classmate and future husband, Robert “Bob” Kossoris. She often talked about graduating the evening of the famous 1947 snowstorm. She continued her connection with Rufus King by chairing numerous class reunions including the 50th reunion. She maintained a large, life-long circle of high school friends.

After high school, Dee went to business college and eventually worked for the Office of Price Stabilization. She married Bob on August 10, 1953, after he returned home from Korea. They had three daughters and over the years lived in Glendale, Watertown and for over 33 years, in Cedarburg.

Dee was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was easy-going, gentle, fun-loving and always had a positive outlook on life. She was very outgoing and had a lot of youthful energy throughout her life. She was a hands-on mom and spent a lot of time fostering her family’s interests and activities. Growing up, her children felt secure knowing that she would unfailingly be there for them. She was the best caregiver when her family was ailing and generous to a fault. Dee was very stylish in her clothing, and looking back, was often ahead of a trend. She had a creative streak that followed its own path – be it purple leather boots, a hot pink couch, a royal blue piano or filling her walls with her own paintings.

Dee and Bob loved big band music and took dance lessons for years at the VFW Cudworth Post. While Dee loved to dance to big band, she was also a loyal Elvis fan. When living in Watertown, she was a tour guide at the historic Octagon House and participated in musical theater. She played tennis with a lot of heart but her real forte was gin rummy.

Dee loved to cook and practiced holistic nutrition long before it became mainstream. In keeping with her health focus, in the 1980’s, Dee owned and ran a successful Diet Center weight loss franchise in Cedarburg. She nurtured her soul as an active parishioner for many years at First Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Dee and Bob spent numerous winters in central Florida where they built a home. She spent the final years of her life as a happy resident at Hamilton House Senior Living back in Cedarburg.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Pam Kossoris, Sherry (John) Stilin, Peggy (Tom) Clune and grandchildren Matt (Davina) Stilin, Nick Stilin, Ben Stilin, Chris (Jenny) Clune, Maddie (Matt) Wozniakowski, Emily Clune and great-grandchildren Evelyn Clune and Margot Wozniakowski.

The family will be holding a private memorial service. Donations in honor of Delores Kossoris may be sent to Rufus King International School Fund via the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation (www.mpsfdn.org/donate).

The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .